Students and employers gathered to talk job opportunities during the Spring Job and Internship Fair Wednesday in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Students showed companies their skill sets during interviews, and some students scheduled interviews with potential employers for future dates.

The interviews consisted of employers explaining how and what their job descriptions are and what they seek in future employees, such as skills or experience levels in specific fields.

Over 50 companies participating in the fair set up customized displays to demonstrate and show off their companies’ strong suits.

Companies like Allendale Association, Central East Alcoholism and Drug Council and Impact Networking were a just a few that attended.

Several police departments were tabled together, and all of them were looking for new interns and entry-level officers.

From mental health specialists to utility support coordinators, there were many choices potential employees could explore.

Students signed in and circled the room, asking different companies which ones supported their majors.

Companies that employed any major and worked with children had more visits from students.

“It is so great to see students who are approaching graduation day come into the fair for an internship or job, knowing some companies are located all over the world, and they’re willing to go to these different locations. I really appreciate that,” said Mimi Meyer, a recruiter for One Hope United.

Several students preferred speaking with recruiters from companies that dealt with helping or serving children or individuals with special needs.

“Camp New Hope is for individuals with special needs ages eight to their 80s. We are looking for students who are staying in the Mattoon and Charleston area with any major who would love to work with kids. We are hiring for any position, from life guard to night supervisor,” said Jill Slack, a program director for Camp New Hope.

Senior English major Alexandra Riseman said she is taking this opportunity to walk through the fair because she is graduating in May and does not want to move home. Instead, she said she wants to start networking and exploring her options.

Bethany Dillow, a senior family services major, said she came to the fair to see the possible companies she can work with.

She said she was interested in companies that work with kids, and she really enjoyed One Hope United. 

“The lady from One Hope United was so friendly and nice toward me,” Dillow said.

For those who missed the Spring Job and Internship Fair, the next one will be available this Fall 2019 semester.

Inanna Weller can be reached at 581-2812 or at ibweller@eiu.edu.